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Carry-on and Checked Baggage
Individual airlines are changing checked baggage
allowances. If you are traveling and plan to check
luggage it's recommended that you contact the airline or
check the airline website to verify baggage allowances.
A example of a recent change is United Airlines new
policy -- nonrefundable ticket holders are allowed one
piece of checked baggage at no charge, the second piece
is $25 and a third can be as much as $100.
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Airlines are carrying more passengers per flight these
days and, because of this, there is an effort to monitor
carry-on luggage. In coming weeks, many airlines will
instruct travelers to "gate-check" any carry-on bag that
exceeds length + width + height requirements. Again,
check airline websites for guidelines.
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And,
just a reminder that travelers may no longer pack
lithium batteries for laptops or other electronic
devices in checked luggage. Travelers wanting to carry
spare lithium batteries are required to pack them in
carry-on luggage with the terminals covered. More
information can be found at:
http://safetrave.gov/tips.html
Information
for travelers crossing U.S. borders by land or sea only
Passport Cards
As of
February 1, 2008
U.S. passport applicants have the option of
applying for a passport card, a form of identification
designed to help travelers comply with the U.S.
government's Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative.
The cards are intended for
people who live near and cross over U.S. borders
frequently and may only be used for land and sea
border crossings.
The
passport cards will be the size of a standard driver's
license, enabling travelers to carry it in their
wallets. The card will be valid for 10 years for adults
and will cost $45. Adults who already possess a valid
passport but want a passport card for convenience may
purchase it for $20.
Each
card will include the traveler's photo, a bar code and a
radio frequency identification chip. The chip won't
carry any personal information - it will be coded with
an identification number that correlates to the
traveler's record within the U.S. Customs database.
Click on the link below to learn more and view an
example of the passport card.
http://www.travel.state.gov/passport/ppt_card/ppt_card_3926.html
